What do North American river otters eat?

Fish make up the vast majority of their diet — over 90% in some studies — supplemented by crayfish, amphibians, and occasionally small mammals or birds.

How do river otters find prey in murky water?

They rely on long, sensitive whiskers to detect the movement of fish and other prey even when visibility underwater is poor.

Have river otter populations recovered from historical declines?

Yes. Since 1976, more than 4,000 otters have been reintroduced across 21 US states, successfully restoring populations in many areas where they had disappeared.

North American River Otterカナダカワウソ

Lontra canadensisLC— Least Concern

The North American river otter is a highly aquatic member of the weasel family found throughout Canada and the United States, feeding primarily on fish. Its long, sensitive whiskers help it detect prey in murky water, and its dens typically have multiple tunnel entrances, at least one opening directly into the water. Reintroduction programs since 1976 have restored otter populations across more than 20 US states, and the species is classified as Least Concern.

North American River Otter (reference photo) — Photo: Chuck Homler d/b/a Focus On Wildlife / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Carnivora / Mustelidae Source
Size: Body length 66–107 cm (tail 32–46 cm)
Weight: 5–13.7 kg
Lifespan: Wild: about 13 years / captive: record of 25 years
Diet: Piscivore Feeds mainly on fish, as well as amphibians such as frogs, crustaceans such as crayfish, and small mammals and birds
Distribution: Widespread across Canada and the United States, with records extending into Tamaulipas, Mexico; it is currently rare or absent in several central US states. Source
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

Populations along Canada's Pacific coast defecate on land, transporting nutrients from aquatic ecosystems onto shore and boosting the abundance of terrestrial birds. Source
Due to delayed implantation, gestation appears to last 10–12 months, but actual fetal development takes only 61–63 days. Source
Since 1976, more than 4,000 otters have been reintroduced across 21 US states, successfully restoring populations in many regions. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 2

How to tell Sea Otters vs. River Otters apart →

Noichi Zoological Park of Kochi PrefectureKochiA 20-minute walk or 13-minute rental-bicycle ride from Noichi Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway Gomen-Nahari Line.

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Moriokashi Doubutsu KouenIwateOpened in 1989

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Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Least Concern (LC)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

What do North American river otters eat?: Fish make up the vast majority of their diet — over 90% in some studies — supplemented by crayfish, amphibians, and occasionally small mammals or birds. Source
How do river otters find prey in murky water?: They rely on long, sensitive whiskers to detect the movement of fish and other prey even when visibility underwater is poor. Source
Have river otter populations recovered from historical declines?: Yes. Since 1976, more than 4,000 otters have been reintroduced across 21 US states, successfully restoring populations in many areas where they had disappeared. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 2 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org